The folks at Lucasfilm Story Group gave us endless time and focus as we were building The High Republic, and I’d like to particularly mention Pablo Hidalgo, whose notes were always additive and often came with instructive diagrams about the mysterious nature of hyperspace. James Waugh, for his constant, unflagging support. Matt Martin and Robert Simpson, Brett Rector, Jen Heddle, Troy Alders…the list goes on. It’s what I said at the beginning—Star Wars is a galaxy, and everyone contributes. It’s wonderful to see.

Elizabeth Schaefer at Del Rey, for her editorial acumen and some really nice tweets after she finished reading an early draft of the novel. My agent, Seth Fishman, for whom no deal is impossible. Jordan D. White at Marvel Comics, who gave me my very first shot at writing Star Wars and from which all of the rest has come. Shawn DePasquale, my constant early reader. Tommy Stella, my constant assistant.

George Lucas and the many, many brilliant people he worked with to bring Star Wars to life (it takes a galaxy!). None of us would be doing this work without their efforts.

And, of course, my family—Rosemary and Amy, Hannah, Sam and Chris, Jay and Ann, Mary and Jim.

And finally, thank you. I hope you enjoyed the story.

We are all the Republic.

Charles Soule

Summer 2020